Leaders from Indigenous organisation across northern WA have called for better funding to address the many issues remote communities still face in the wake of the failed Voice referendum.

The meeting on Karriyarra Country, near Port Hedland, was part of the Yule River gathering, an annual event where Aboriginal groups come together to discuss key issues.

“The key is establishing a leadership group that can represent the region to be able to work with the government and advance the call to action,” Banjima man Henry Lockyer told the ABC.

“We need to be resourced to make sure that we can support government in working with those communities.”

The meeting centred on the Call to Action Statement — a document created at the 2023 meeting, and amended over the past year.

Karriyarra traditional owner Raylene Button called youth hostels to house teenagers at risk in the Pilbara.

“There needs to be residential boarding, there needs to be a community safe space and space for our young,” she said.

One goal of the meeting was to establish a hostel in Port Hedland within two years.

Education was another point raised, namely cultural issues being taught in schools, with a call for Aboriginal teachers to get more support.

“We would love to see our languages being taught, Ms Button said.

Pilbara MP Kevin Michel and Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai represented the State government at the meeting.

Greens Federal Senator Dorinda Cox also attended the meeting and was dismayed by the lack of senior government officials.

“The feeling is they only see politicians come election time when votes are wanted,” Ms Cox told Ibnews.com.au

Senator Dorinda Cox was dismayed by the lack of senior government officials at the gathering.

“The call to action wants senior politicians to engage with them on several issues, including leadership, community safety, health and well being and education.

“Listen to the issues, be community led and help seek real solutions.”

Ms Cox said she was also concerned about the plight of six men who have gone missing in region, with little assistance from police to find them.

“There is no public awareness campaign and no reward for information being offered,” she said.

“The police don’t know if any crimes have been committed and don’t seem to be taking it seriously. So nothing is happening and it’s hurting the families.”